**Chapter 1: Love in the Time of Sneezes**

The sun was setting over the ravaged landscape of Third Earth, casting a warm orange glow over the bustling construction site. Courtney Chetwynde, once the infamous Hetch, was now a key player in rebuilding this post-apocalyptic world. As she supervised the assembly of a new sustainable energy generator, she let out a discreet **Ah-choo!** Courtney's eyes widened as she quickly covered her mouth with her hand, trying to play it cool. She didn't want to alarm the workers or, more importantly, Mark Diamond, her on-again, off-again boyfriend. Mark, however, had already noticed her sneeze. "Hey, Chet, you okay?" Mark asked, walking towards her with concern etched on his face. His eyes sparkled with amusement, and Courtney could tell he was trying not to laugh. "Yeah, I'm fine," Courtney replied, attempting to brush it off. "Just a little... allergy, that's all." Mark raised an eyebrow. "Allergy? This time of year? In the middle of a desolate wasteland?" Courtney shrugged, trying to maintain her composure. "Maybe I'm allergic to... to... dust?" Mark chuckled and wrapped his arms around her. "Well, let's get you out of this dusty air then." As they hugged, Courtney felt a massive **ACHOO!** building up inside her. She tried to stifle it, but it was too late. The sneeze exploded out of her, causing Mark to jump back, laughing. "Ah, sorry about that!" Courtney exclaimed, her face flushing. Mark grinned mischievously. "No worries, I think I can handle a few sneezes." He teased, his eyes twinkling. As the day went on, Courtney's sneezes became more frequent. **Ah-choo!** **Ah-choo!** Each sneeze was met with Mark's playful teasing and concerned glances. Finally, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Courtney couldn't take it anymore. "Mark, I need your help," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Mark immediately turned serious. "What do you need?" Courtney hesitated, her eyes welling up with tears. "I... I don't know what's happening to me. I've never sneezed this much before. I'm starting to feel really weak." Mark's expression softened, and he enveloped her in a gentle hug. "Don't worry, I've got you. We'll figure this out together." As they hugged, Courtney felt another **ACHOO!** rising up. This time, Mark was prepared. He held her close, whispering words of encouragement in her ear. When the sneeze subsided, Mark gently tilted Courtney's head back and examined her face. "You know, you look a bit... stuffy," he said, his voice low and playful. Courtney rolled her eyes. "Ha ha, very funny." Mark's fingers lightly touched the bridge of her nose. "Seriously though, let me help you. You're not taking care of yourself." Courtney shivered at his touch, feeling a flutter in her chest. "I... I just need some help, okay?" Mark's expression turned tender. He reached out and gently tickled the tip of her nose, making Courtney giggle. "Okay, okay. I'll take care of you," he said, his voice filled with affection. As they walked back to their makeshift living quarters, Courtney leaned into Mark's side, feeling grateful for his support. But just as they reached the door, another **AH-CHOO!** shook her body. Mark chuckled and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "I think we're just getting started, Chet." And as they stepped inside, Courtney knew that this was just the beginning of a very eventful, sneeze-filled adventure with the man she loved.